Heartburn Causes You Should Know
Heartburn is a condition that produces a burning sensation beginning from behind the breastbone and ribs and going upwards towards the throat
. Basically, heartburn is produced by hydrochloric acid spilling upward into the esophagus from the stomach.
The lining of the esophagus, unlike that of the stomach, is not protected against acid. The acid, being corrosive, inflames and irritates the esophagus and causes the heartburn.
There is a one-way valve between the stomach and the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which seals the stomach and keeps the acid in the stomach. Due to weak LES, relaxed LES or any other disease affecting the LES, the sphincter muscle lets acid flow backwards into the esophagus and create heartburn complications.
Food items that make the LES loosen up include alcohol, citrus fruits, mint and chocolate. Foods that are acidic and irritate the esophagus directly are citrus fruit juice, tomato and spicy foods. Foods that increase the acid secretion in the stomach include caffeine beverages or carbonated beverages, alcohol, fatty foods, spicy foods, raw onions, garlic, black pepper and vinegar.
Stomach pressure causes it to eject acid inside the esophagus. Overeating, certain exercises, tight clothes, bending down, and stomach fat because of excess weight or pregnancy are a few factors which enhance pressure on the stomach area.
The acid secretion is also enhanced by stress, smoking and the practice of going to bed immediately after eating. Aging is another factor that may relax the LES valve, thereby causing heartburn.
Also, heartburn could be a symptom of other conditions such as gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), pregnancy, hiatal hernia, acid regurgitation, peptic ulcer, stomach emptying disorders, gastrointestinal motility disorder or even coughing too hard. Medications to deal with respiratory complications, heart problems, blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis, anxiety, depression, insomnia, Also known to generate heartburn symptoms are parkinson's disease and cancer. The use of aspirin can also cause heartburn.
From the causes of heartburn, it can be clearly deduced that generally, heartburn can be avoided or lessened by effecting some lifestyle changes, like altering our food intake, exercising, avoiding smoking and intake of alcohol, changing up sleeping habits and keeping away from specific medications.
by: Josephine Scott...
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